My Rejected Mate

Chapter 5

DAMON’S POV

By the time we reached Cross territory, it was dark. The journey back had been quiet. I spent most of it staring through the window, replaying the conversation in my head.

I think I would choose this.

I'd choose you.

I meant it.

The moment I entered the main house, I knew something was wrong. My father was waiting in the living room. Mara stood nearby, her cheek bandaged from the fight. My father looked at me.

“Come here.”

I walked in. He waited until the door closed behind me. Then he said, “You need to stay away from that girl.” I stopped. "Who?"

"Boy, don't play dumb with me."

“She isn't a threat to me.”

“You don't know what she is.”

“I know enough.”

“No, you don't.”

His eyes hardened. “Whatever happened between you two in Ashville, it ends here.”

I looked at him.

"How did y–"

I looked around and noticed Mara in a corner. The guilt in her eyes couldn't hide itself. She had told him. I glared at her and she couldn't meet my eyes.

My father continued.

“I don't care what you thought you found in her. I don't care what she said to you. She is a Sterling.”

“You don't even know her.”

“I know her family.”

“That isn't the same thing.”

“It is when you're talking about the daughter of Marcus Sterling.” I shook my head. “You're judging her for something she didn't do.”

My father's expression darkened.

“And what exactly do you think happened today?”

“Mara lost a fight.”

“She was injured.”

“She knew what she was walking into. I won against the Sterling fighter too. Nobody died. ” My father looked at me like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. “You're defending her.”

“I'm telling you the truth.”

He was silent for a moment. Then I said it without thinking. “I think she's my mate.” The room went still. Mara looked at me.

My father stared almost as if he was waiting for me to take it back. I didn’t. “My wolf reacted to her.” My father looked away for a moment. Then he gave a bitter laugh. “Regardless of whatever your wolf is telling you, that does not change who Serena Sterling is.”

“She is my mate.”

“She is a Sterling.”

“She is Serena.”

“She is the daughter of Marcus Sterling, and she will forever be his daughter.”

He pointed toward Mara. “Look at her.” Mara lowered her eyes.

“You saw what happened today.”

“She beat Mara.”

“She cut her.”

“She won a sword fight.”

“And you want to bring that woman into this family?” My father's voice rose. “I cannot believe you are willing to let one woman come between you and everything this pack has spent generations protecting.”

“She isn't trying to destroy anything.”

“You don't know that.”

“And neither do you.”

My father stepped closer. “You think the rivalry exists because two families simply decided they didn't like each other?” I said nothing. He waited.

“I don't know.”

“Exactly.”

He pointed toward the door. “Our people have died because of these Sterlings.”

“And theirs have died because of us.”

His expression hardened. “This isn't something you can fix by falling in love with one of them.”

“I didn't say I could fix anything.”

“But you're willing to choose her.”

I looked at him. This time, I didn't hesitate. “Yes.” His jaw tightened.

“I cannot believe my own son is willing to choose a Sterling after everything that has happened.”

“You're making this about the pack, dad.”

“Because it is about the pack.”

“What about me?”

“You are the future Alpha of this pack and you must act accordingly. You must be willing to set aside childish feelings for the good of the pack.”

“And what if she's my mate?”

He stared at me. Then he said it. “You will reject her.”

My chest tightened. “No.”

His eyes narrowed. “You don't understand what I'm telling you.”

“I understand.”

“You will reject Serena Sterling.”

“She is my mate.”

“She is our enemy.”

I shook my head. “I can't just pretend I don't feel this.”

“Heavy remains the head that wears the crown, my son.” My father stepped closer.

“Damon. You either reject her or you bid your role in this pack goodbye. Before you decide, think about your mother, your cousins, the members of this pack and everything they have sacrificed for you.”

I looked away. I thought about Serena standing in front of me. Her hand in mine. The way she'd looked at me when she told me she would choose me. She believed I wanted her. And I did. That was the problem.

My father walked past me. Then he stopped at the doorway. “Tomorrow, you will do what is expected of you.” He left.

I stood there alone. My wolf was restless beneath my skin. It wanted Serena but my father wanted me to destroy the bond.

And for the first time in my life, I understood that wantin

g something and being allowed to have it were two very different things.